Usually it's three strikes and you're out, but in football all it takes is two for the NFL to make you sit on the sidelines for a full season, as is the case with Daryl Washington, who recently failed his second drug test for marijuana.
“It’s completely unacceptable that Daryl has once again put us in this position," fumes Arizona Cardinals general manager Steve Keim. "We all know what the consequences are and will deal with them. From a personal standpoint, our hope is that this suspension will give Daryl the opportunity to accept the necessary help and guidance to get his life back on track and we will certainly support him however we can."
The Pro Bowl linebacker was suspended for four games last season. Now he'll miss the entire 2014 campaign.
Washington issued the following statement via his agent Jordan Woy on Twitter: "I recently learned that I had violations of the NFL Substances of Abuse policy related to marijuana. The Policy is very strict, and I have chosen to take responsibility. I am committed to making changes in my life that will allow me to return to the NFL as soon as possible. I will work extremely hard to stay in top football shape, and will work equally as hard to ensure that my life off of the field meets the high level of maturity and responsibility to which I am committed. I sincerely apologize for the effect of my actions on my teammates, coaches and other colleagues at the Cardinals. I also apologize to Cardinals fans for the time I will miss. I will work diligently during this suspension and will return as a better man and football player."
The 6-2, 240-pound defender was drafted out of TCU in 2010. During his first four seasons, he's averaged 82 tackles and 4.5 sacks per year.
